Pubdate: Sat, 03 Dec 2005
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsor/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Referenced: the study 
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/rapidpdf/bmj.38648.617986.1Fv3.pdf
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

STUDY SAYS POT DOUBLES RISK FOR FATAL CAR CRASHES

Drivers under the influence of marijuana and similar drugs face
increased risks of having a fatal car accident, a study finds.

The study of drivers responsible for a deadly road crash showed the
odds almost doubled for people with cannabis, the plant used to
produce marijuana, in their blood, said lead researcher Bernard Laumon
from the French National Institute for Transport and Safety Research.
The study was published in the British Medical Journal.

The researcher studied 9,772 drivers who were involved in fatal
crashes from October 2001 until September 2003 and tested for drugs.
Of the total, 6,766 drivers were considered at fault. About 7 per
cent, or 681 drivers, tested positive for cannabis, 21 per cent, or
2,096, had alcohol in their system and 2.9 per cent, or 285, tested
positive for both. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake